First post here. I'm fascinated by honest efforts to most accurately measure cross country courses. I am familiar with John Tucker's cross country measuring recommendations. In short, that involves pulling a standard tape (not necessarily steel) around the course in a two person effort, flagging every 50m, laying it along the curves as needed. This is in contrast to using any wheeled device, particularly not a click wheel. Video available from his site. I do wish he'd post the video to YouTube. Perhaps I'll call him back and ask...
Re Quail Trail 5Km, apparently USATF is now allowing certification of cross country courses. And for more than the "one day" some of you folks have discussed.
Map indicates the course is mostly dirt, gravel, and grass. According to an event flyer and the event webpage, "Running surfaces include pea gravel, grass, dirt, red-clay and asphalt. Course is USA Track and Field Certified (GA09026WC)."
For those inclined, many photos from the event were posted here.
I haven't scoured the USATF certified course list. Should I assume this isn't the only off-road course now granted a USATF number?
John Kalin
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